Burnley to listen to Premier 1 and 2 proposals - but are against Old Firm entry (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Burnley to listen to Premier 1 and 2 proposals - but are against Old Firm entry

11:05am Thursday 12th November 2009 in

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BURNLEY chief executive Paul Fletcher says the club is not in favour of proposals to invite Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers into the Premier League.

Fletcher and Clarets chairman Barry Kilby will join counterparts from the 19 other top flight clubs at today’s Premier League chairmen’s meeting in London.

Among the topics up for discussion is a two-tier Premier League, put forward by Bolton chairman Phil Gartside, that would include the Old Firm sides.

Gartside’s proposal is for a Premier League 1 with 18 teams, and a Premier League 2 consisting of either 18 or 20 teams.

There would be promotion and relegation between these two divisions, but effectively no relegation from Premier League 2, closing the door on teams from lower divisions.

One suggestion is that teams are only promoted to Premier League 2 if they meet strict financial criteria, and their ground is up to a required standard.

Fletcher and Kilby were undecided on their stance on these proposals as they set off for the meeting today.

“We can see the pros and cons of it, but whether it would be good for Burnley Football Club I don’t know,” said Fletcher.

“We’re still waiting to hear what will be said at the meeting.”

However, they are against the idea of Celtic and Rangers competing south of the border.

“What the Hearts and Hibernians and Aberdeens of this world would think about it ... whether they would slip into non-league football, I don’t know,” said Fletcher.

“My first view is that it would ruin football in Scotland.”